Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Our malamute is not quite 3 & 1/2 weeks post op from her front leg amputation and over the last couple of days she has not been able to walk, or really use her hind legs at all. When we lift her with a harness to help her to go to the bathroom she tucks up her rear legs as if she's still laying down. Her left rear knee has had problems for years, but I've never seen her like this. We're wondering if she could have pinched nerves or something wrong with her spinal chord? She's only had one chemo treatment so far, which was a week ago Friday, and her appetite is only finally starting to get back to near normal. Does anyone have any ideas of what might be going on? Our vet has prescribed muscle relaxers and pain meds, which we'll start today. We're just worried sick because how can she have any quality of life if she can't even stand. Help!!
Hello and welcome, your future posts won't require approval. I hope you don't mind but I moved your post here to "Hopping Around," since your pup is dealing with mobility challenges.
I know it seems like forever but 3.5 weeks is not a long time after surgery, especially for a giant dog like a malamute. Many large breed dogs need several weeks before their sparkle comes back. I know this isn't much comfort right now but I hope it helps you feel less alone.
My first thought is; what has her activity level been like? How was she getting around before this happened? Could she have overdone things? That's not unusual either, many dogs are allowed to have too much activity too soon after surgery. They look great but oftentimes their bodies just have a relapse because the activity level is too high.
Nobody can say for sure what is happening other than your vet, but one of the most common reasons is a muscle pull. Remember, the body is learning how to adjust to a new gait, some dogs have this happen to them. It's good that you and the vet are controlling her pain, that's the first place to start. What is your vet's action plan should the pain meds not control this? You want to know the next steps, such as a referral to a veterinary rehabilitation therapist, should that be necessary. Usually a few days of R&R will take care of things. I know this feels like a setback but it's not uncommon. Try to stay pawsitive, mals are tough dogs who bounce back!
I hope this helps, please keep us posted. Oh and what's your dog's name? Why did she lose her leg? We'd love to hear more.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Thank you so much for your advice and encouragement Jerry. You're certainly right, 3.5 weeks isn't long, after such a major surgery, yet Dakota had been absolutely amazing us with her recovery up until Sunday. She had been walking incredibly well without any assistance. In fact, she would nearly run you over if you didn't get out of her way. Anyway, so like I mentioned before, yesterday she started on the muscle relaxer in addition to tramadol, and the vet also increased her rimadyl in hopes of lessening any inflamation. Fortunately, last night she was already starting to put weight on her "good" back leg, and today she's only needed a little assistance. She's still not using her "bad" back leg very well, but at least she's able to get up and squat etc with much less difficulties. I'm hoping she'll continue to progress with the help of the pain meds and muscle relaxers. This sure has been such an emotional roller-coaster since this whole process started. Our little Dakota is certainly a trooper though, so if any dog can fight through these hurdles, it's her.
Now that's a great attitude, I love it!
Yeah, unfortunately many times dogs will come home and act incredibly well, seemingly bouncing back, and then whammo! They'll have a crash and slow down. I think a lot of it has to do with dogs instinctively not wanting to show their weakness to the pack but eventually their tired bodies force them to slow down. That's the Cesar Millan philosophy in me talking, but I do think it's the only way to really explain what we see here so many times.
Anytime you feel something isn't right, let your vet know. For now though, sounds like things are on track. Yay!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
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